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118 Unit 2 ■ Appealing to an Audience

© Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Do not distribute.
Speech to the Virginia

Convention

Patrick Henry

THE TEXT IN CONTEXT
In 1775, in the midst of political debate about whether
to prepare for war or find a peaceful resolution with Brit-
ain, the Virginia House of Burgesses held a convention.
After listening to other delegates, Patrick Henry (1736–
Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo
1799), the first governor of Virginia, gave a speech that
ultimately persuaded Virginia to prepare for the fight
against Britain.

o man thinks more highly than I do of the towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty
Npatriotism, as well as abilities, of the very toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere
worthy gentlemen who have just addressed above all earthly kings.
the House. But different men often see the Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge
same subject in different lights; and, therefore, in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our
I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the
those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opin- song of that siren till she transforms us into
ions of a character very opposite to theirs, I beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged
shall speak forth my sentiments freely and in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are
without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. we disposed to be of the number of those who,
The question before the House is one of awful having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear
moment to this country. For my own part, I not, the things which so nearly concern their
consider it as nothing less than a question of temporal salvation? For my part, whatever
freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to
magnitude of the subject ought to be the free- know the whole truth; to know the worst, and
dom of the debate. It is only in this way that to provide for it.
we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the I have but one lamp by which my feet are
great responsibility which we hold to God and guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I
our country. Should I keep back my opinions know of no way of judging of the future but
at such a time, through fear of giving offense, by the past. And judging by the past, I wish
I should consider myself as guilty of treason to know what there has been in the conduct

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